CVE-2005-1261: Stack-based buffer overflow in the URL parsing function in Gaim before 1.3.0 allows remote attackers to execut

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-1261 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting gaim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the URL parsing function in Gaim before 1.3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an instant message (IM) with a large URL.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	12.4% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: rob flynn

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-05-11 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:12 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rob flynn gaim DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.10 · 0.10.3 · 0.50 · 0.51 · 0.52 · 0.53 · 0.54 · 0.55

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.10

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy gaim || rpm -q gaim || gaim --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gaim sudo apt install gaim=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.10> sudo apt-mark hold gaim

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list gaim sudo dnf downgrade gaim-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.10> sudo dnf versionlock add gaim

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Gaim 1.2.1 - URL Handling Remote Stack Overflow

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2005-1261?

gaim: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-1261 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1261 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2005-1261 affect?

CVE-2005-1261 affects gaim. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Stack-based buffer overflow in the URL parsing function in Gaim before 1.3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an instant message (IM) with a large URL.

How urgent is CVE-2005-1261?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-2370 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE UPGRADE Multiple "memory alignment errors" in libgadu, as used in ekg before 1.6rc2, Gaim before 1.5.0, and other pack
CVE-2005-2103 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE Buffer overflow in the AIM and ICQ module in Gaim before 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of se
CVE-2005-2102 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE The AIM/ICQ module in Gaim before 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application cras
CVE-2005-1934 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE Gaim before 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a malformed MSN message tha
CVE-2005-1269 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Gaim before 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a Yahoo! messag

References

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